Hakone-en Aquarium (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Hakone-en Aquarium?
Infants enter free and strollers, diaper tables and calm lighting help, yet the only nursing room is upstairs without a lift, so carrying baby gear reduces convenience for some parents.
Positives:
- Baby-Friendly Facilities: Free stroller rental, diaper-changing tables, and nursing room support infant care.
- Compact Layout: Short indoor distances make it easy to navigate with a stroller and baby.
Challenges:
- Nursing Room Access: The nursing room is upstairs at the plaza with no elevator; you must carry stroller up stairs.
- Fixed Show Times: Underwater and seal shows have set times; missing them can mean waiting with a restless baby.
What is so special about Hakone-en Aquarium for with baby?
- Free entry for baby under 4
- Compact galleries minimize stroller walking
- Engaging fish tanks at baby-eye level
- Daily seal and diver shows entertain all ages
- On-site stroller rental and diaper facilities ease care
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Includes time for exhibits, shows, breaks, and stroller-paced rest.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Aquarium
Seawater Gallery:
See sharks, rays and tropical fish in Japan’s highest-altitude saltwater tank.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and position the stroller at the transparent wall for baby’s view.
Baikal Seal Show:
Watch seals roll, wave and chase balls in short live performances.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before start and use a baby carrier to get front-row space.
Freshwater Pavilion:
Observe electric eels, piranhas and Lake Ashinoko fish in compact displays.
Tip: Pause on low benches so baby can rest and watch fish at eye level.
Baby Nursing Room:
Private space for feeding and changing at adjacent shopping plaza.
Tip: Carry a light stroller up the stairs and keep supplies in a small backpack.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 adults) | JPY 3,000 |
| Coin locker | JPY 100 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Hakone-en Aquarium?
On clear winter mornings you may spot Mount Fuji from the plaza. Fall brings colorful leaves around Lake Ashi. Summer shows run on schedule but the indoor tanks stay cool.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Hakone-en Aquarium
- Use a Baby Carrier: Carry baby in a wrap at show time to save space and move easily.
- Plan Around Shows: Walk exhibits before each show and rest near seating areas to avoid rushing.
- Pack Quiet Snacks: Bring small snacks and water to enjoy at outdoor benches between activities.
Map of Hakone-en Aquarium
Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
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Reviews of Hakone-en Aquarium
Rebecca Koh
Highly recommended experience. The seal feeding is once in a lifetime. 800 yen per pax and there are only 15 slots each time.
AbareSaru AbareSaru
It’s a very small aquarium and you can see it all in about 30 mins. But it does have a good range of fish and some seals. Warning: if you are using the Hakone Free Pass. There’s only one bus every hour and we got stranded as the bus was full and wouldn’t let anyone one. There’s response to well how do we get back was: get a taxi.
Sudershan Singh Gusain
Small aquarium at the base of ropeway. Hundreds of types of fishes, Tiger fish, clown fish, crabs, salamander, jelly fish, turtle, and may sea creatures. There is a seal show around 15 mins. Beautiful scenery all around. There is a small shopping store with hundreds of souvenirs to take back including wooden carved paintings and special lock puzzle and candies. Small Due to high winds, ropeway may...
Jun Mao Tan
It's a decent small aquarium, however you can feel it's age as the aquarium definitely needs some renovation to look more modern. Price is ok, it's about 1000yen for entry so there is nothing much to complain about it. If you have gone to other Japanese aquarium this will feel small. Overall still worth seeing their seals and baby otters which are newborns and worth coming down to see them.
Yui Amano
Our kids had great time there. But the parking fee was too expensive! When we went here last year, the parking fee was free... Anyway, the aquarium has two buildings. And the new animals "otters" were so cute. I felt their space was too small for them. But my kids were so happy to see them. They have a few show events everyday and you can enjoy. Please check their show schedules before you go!
About Hakone-en Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 460-83-1151Explore Popular Things to Do
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